Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one… I. THE MEANING AND TRUTH OF THE MAXIM HERE LAID DOWN. The man who serves his master serves him with faithfulness and singleness of heart, with a mind wholly given to his service. It is impossible thus to serve two. He may appear to serve both: but let contrary interests arise and it will be seen to which he really belongs. II. OUR LORD'S APPLICATION OF THIS MAXIM. God and mammon are two masters: cannot serve both. 1. You must follow your worldly business from right motives. 2. You must follow it by right rules. 3. You must use your worldly gain in a right manner.Two motives weigh with a man in selecting masters, interest or gratitude. On these grounds God claims your service above the world. 1. God can do more for you than mammon can do. God claims your service on the ground of what He has done for you. (E. Cooper.) I. THE NECESSITY OF DECISION IN RELIGION. 1. From the impracticability of uniting the two services. 2. From the misery which is an attendant on the attempt to unite these services. 3. The fatal consequences in another world. 4. The happy consequences from a uniform attachment to the right master. (1) Faithfulness has its own reward; (2) The path of decision is that of safety; (3) In heaven. II. APPLICATION OF THE SUBJECT. 1. Decision of character, it is evident, is totally distinct from party spirit. 2. We do not intend anything like indifference. 3. But are not some decided on the other side? (J. Fell.) Parallel Verses KJV: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. |
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